British New Wave Cinema: "A Taste of Honey"

Fri, Mar 17
8:30PM
$10.00 RSVP(Limited Seating)

British New Wave Cinema
"A Taste of Honey"
Screens at Oddball Films
Plus! World Newsreels of 1961



On Friday, March 17th at 8:30PM Oddball Films presents acclaimed
director ("Look Back in Anger") Tony Richardson's gritty coming of
age story "A Taste of Honey" set in working class Manchester in
1961. This revolutionary British film examines class, domestic
strife, sex, pregnancy, race and homosexuality and features award-
winning performances by Rita Tushingham and Murray Melvin who both
won for best actor at the Cannes Film Festival in 1962. "A Taste of
Honey" also features remarkable cinematography by Free Cinema veteran
Walter Lassally Also screening will be Newsreel highlights of the
world in 1961. Admission is $10.00 RSVP preferred(Limited seating).
RSVP to: or 415-558-8117.

A key figure in the Free Cinema movement (England's answer to the
French New Wave) of the late 50s, here Tony Richardson directs the
quintessential kitchen sink drama. Britain today is still a society
in many ways defined by class, but in the 1950s divisions were far
more rigid. The 'new wave' films and the sources that inspired them
gave a voice to a working-class that was for the first time gaining
some economic power.

Previously, working-class characters in British cinema had largely
been used for comic effect or as 'salt of the earth' cannon fodder.
Here we see their lives at the centre of the action. That action,
such as it is, details everyday dramas - hence 'the kitchen sink' tag
a we see events through the emotional journeys of the characters.

The late fifties marked the beginning of the short lived new wave in
British Cinema. This was largely influenced by the burgeoning of the
American cinema and stage as opposed to the staid outdated state of
affairs in British culture. In that brief period a number of films
were made which broke new ground in an effort to portray the often
harsh reality of life for millions of Britons.

It's strikingly shot, memorably scripted and tightly acted by Rita
Tushingham in the best role of her career. "A Taste of Honey" hinges
on the relationship between gamine teenager Jo (Tushingham) and her
boozy, self-seeking mother, Helen (Bryan). A black sailor, Jo's
pregnancy and her gay companion go further to create a riveting,
gritty slice of life in working class Manchester.

Writer Shelagh Delaney's characters are the film's greatest asset and
there's a strong sense of the stigma associated with miscegenation
and homosexuality.
The original play was notably admired by Morrissey of the band The
Smiths, who used Delaney's photo on album artwork, and lifted some
song lyrics directly from the play, most notably those of the song
"This Night Has Opened My Eyes", which is effectively based on the
play itself.

Despite the naturalistic style, the film is also emotional involving
and richly romantic. Images of the industrial landscape (the film was
shot on location in Salford), the waterways and tenements are
carefully composed, beautifully shot and form a valuable counterpoint
to the social concerns.

In addition to the awards at Cannes "A Taste of Honey" won multiple
British Film Academy Awards including Best Film(Tony Richardson),
Best Actress(Dora Bryan), Best Screenplay(Shelagh Delany, Tony
Richardson) and more.

Plus! Newsreel highlights of 1961 from around the world.

Venue:

Oddball Films
275 Capp Street
San Francisco
415-558-8117
www.oddballfilm.com

Off Mission between 17th and 18th, Mission and South Van Ness(closer
to 18th)

Additional Info:

415-558-8117